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Storm Syrrell #2
The Black Madonna
Following the internationally acclaimed Gold of Kings, Storm Syrrell returns in the compelling story of The Black Madonna.
Antiques expert Storm Syrrell heads to Europe to investigate the clandestine trade in religious artifacts. She dismisses superstitious tales of miraculous healings and divine omens. Yet when an obsessive Russian oligarch calls—just as her friend Harry Bennett vanishes—all assumptions must be cast aside. Storm seeks answers in a medieval monastery. There, the scarred visage of an icon provokes ever more startling questions. Is she prepared to confront both earthly and spiritual powers? Storm remains haunted by lessons in love and betrayal that lie just outside her grasp. But hesitation now holds mortal consequences.
Antiques expert Storm Syrrell heads to Europe to investigate the clandestine trade in religious artifacts. She dismisses superstitious tales of miraculous healings and divine omens. Yet when an obsessive Russian oligarch calls—just as her friend Harry Bennett vanishes—all assumptions must be cast aside. Storm seeks answers in a medieval monastery. There, the scarred visage of an icon provokes ever more startling questions. Is she prepared to confront both earthly and spiritual powers? Storm remains haunted by lessons in love and betrayal that lie just outside her grasp. But hesitation now holds mortal consequences.
316 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2010
12 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
112 books1,042 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 4, 2013
I had given up on thrillers: all those testosterone-laden men, gorgeous women, unbelievable battles where the hero never bleeds...you know. But this book's title attracted me because I have researched Black Madonnas and also collect their religious medal likenesses, the centerpiece of my collection being the Black Madonna of Czestochowa that is partially shown on the book jacket. So imagine my joy as I read this book because although we travel the world from the Dead Sea and Jordan to Europe and America, there are no gender-specific injuries (heroes and heroines are equally breakable and equally heroic), there is no political pontificating on the author's part about which country is right or wrong (unless we consider the Madoff scandal in Florida's West Palm Beach) and no theories about the over 400 Black Madonnas in the world being related to the Mary Magdalene controversy. There is a double love interest and a breathlessly exciting glacier-hiking adventure and, best of all, we get to learn about the good and bad in the world of art auctions. I recommend this as a first-class thriller and intend to read more of Davis Bunn's books this week.
February 2, 2019
Really my rating would be 2 1/2 if that were a thing. The beginning of this book was a bit slow going and then the end was a let down in my opinion. Honestly at times the plot was so complicated I kind of just tuned out because there were so many unnecessary parts to it. Then the switching from one character to another was so fast I sometimes had to stop and back up to make sure I was following the correct characters story. This is not my favorite Davis Bunn Book. In general I really enjoy this author but I personally feel this book was not his best work.
March 3, 2021
An improbable plot but nonetheless a highly entertaining read. The action encompasses the Middle East, USA and a good bit of Britain and Europe, based on the sale, purchase and forgery of antiques and antiquities and tracing and proving the provenance of the same. Fast moving and an easy read, with beautiful women, handsome heroes and suitably nasty villains.
July 15, 2018
Easy airport read. The series reads like a knock off Dan Brown novel.
November 23, 2018
This was good - definitely worth a read, but I liked Gold of Kings much better
November 10, 2019
3.75 I enjoyed this book. Good clean fun
July 16, 2021
Not one of his best
I’v read most of this authors books. This one had a very difficult to follow plot line. It is all summed up in the last 20 pages- so read that first. 😀
I’v read most of this authors books. This one had a very difficult to follow plot line. It is all summed up in the last 20 pages- so read that first. 😀
November 17, 2022
This book was so confusing I’m not sure why I bothered to finish it.
October 6, 2023
It was not my favorite of the author’s books. I felt cheated at the end - very disappointed in all the loose ends. Still not sure i followed all the plot twists…..
Read
February 19, 2020The Black Madonna is the sequel to Gold of Kings. I knew this was to be a similar type book, but I did not realize it was a sequel. Boy was I excited when I discovered that! (And I must add that I like the new cover of GoK that matches TBM...) In May 2009, I had this to say about Gold of Kings:
Now this was a fun book! "Gold of Kings" is quite adventurous and easily can be visualized as an action film much like National Treasure or the Da Vinci Code films in theory. The reading of this book gives off a similar vibe to Matt Bronleewe's August Adams series (Illuminated, House of Wolves), although it is not quite as cool in my opinion as I just loved those books, but really like this one.
There are really three main characters that you are following through out the book in their physical, mental, and spiritual battles. The adventure is laid out for the reader to enjoy right along with the characters. The only flaw points that draw me back are the parts where a character figures something out, but it is hidden from the reader. That makes me feel like an outsider, and I love the stories that are as if you are right along side them, and not viewing from a window, you know?
One of the best parts about this book are the historical facts and images that are brought to life and explained through out. As the characters are learning some historical pieces of the puzzle the explanations are given to the reader as well in an intriguing manner. Maybe it is because I have a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and this is just my thing, but over all I was thoroughly impressed and plan to look for more titles like this from Davis Bunn in the future.
Now, about this latest adventure with Storm, Emma and Harry... is it possible to say almost the exact same thing about the second book The Black Madonna?! The only thing I'd change is my opinion of calling the story-point a flaw. After reflection as well as an email conversation with the author, I do not think that it's a flaw anymore. It is different to me and something a little out of my own comfort zone, but it does prove to add to the suspense.
I both hate and like the ending. At the same time it is much like a film that makes you wonder, but that's not my personal preference although I know it sells. As a whole I really enjoy Davis Bunn's suspense and adventure novels. Coming from reading The Gold of Kings to continuing the story here it was nice to learn a bit more of the personality and character of homeland security agent Emma. I still would call this Storm's series though.
*Thanks to Howard Books for providing a copy for review through Glass Roads PR.*
Now this was a fun book! "Gold of Kings" is quite adventurous and easily can be visualized as an action film much like National Treasure or the Da Vinci Code films in theory. The reading of this book gives off a similar vibe to Matt Bronleewe's August Adams series (Illuminated, House of Wolves), although it is not quite as cool in my opinion as I just loved those books, but really like this one.
There are really three main characters that you are following through out the book in their physical, mental, and spiritual battles. The adventure is laid out for the reader to enjoy right along with the characters. The only flaw points that draw me back are the parts where a character figures something out, but it is hidden from the reader. That makes me feel like an outsider, and I love the stories that are as if you are right along side them, and not viewing from a window, you know?
One of the best parts about this book are the historical facts and images that are brought to life and explained through out. As the characters are learning some historical pieces of the puzzle the explanations are given to the reader as well in an intriguing manner. Maybe it is because I have a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and this is just my thing, but over all I was thoroughly impressed and plan to look for more titles like this from Davis Bunn in the future.
Now, about this latest adventure with Storm, Emma and Harry... is it possible to say almost the exact same thing about the second book The Black Madonna?! The only thing I'd change is my opinion of calling the story-point a flaw. After reflection as well as an email conversation with the author, I do not think that it's a flaw anymore. It is different to me and something a little out of my own comfort zone, but it does prove to add to the suspense.
I both hate and like the ending. At the same time it is much like a film that makes you wonder, but that's not my personal preference although I know it sells. As a whole I really enjoy Davis Bunn's suspense and adventure novels. Coming from reading The Gold of Kings to continuing the story here it was nice to learn a bit more of the personality and character of homeland security agent Emma. I still would call this Storm's series though.
*Thanks to Howard Books for providing a copy for review through Glass Roads PR.*
September 16, 2010
Title: THE BLACK MADONNA
Author: Davis Bunn
Publisher: Howard Books
September 2010
ISBN 978-1-4165-5633-6
Genre: General Fiction/International
Prepare to be moved. Physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Your journey will begin once you open the pages of THE BLACK MADONNA. Author, lecturer and writer in residence (Regent’s Park College, Oxford University) Davis Bunn has once again demonstrated his mastery of the craft of writing as he literally propels his audience from the comfort of their reading rooms into a world of political intrigue, set against a backdrop of faith, hope and love.
Storm Syrrell is sole proprietor of an arts and antiquities establishment in West Palm Beach, Florida. Struggling to stay afloat amidst the aftermath of the Madoff scandal, Storm is miraculously snatched from a second bankruptcy by a mysterious deposit of a large sum of money into her business account. Minutes later, she receives equally mysterious instructions from an anonymous individual, who informs her what she is to do with the funds. Purchase one painting which is going on the auction block that very day. At any cost.
And so begins Storm’s modern-day odyssey, which transforms into a pilgrimage, as she is literally whisked around the world at break-neck speed, at the behest of the anonymous individual who increasingly pushes her boundaries, tasks her stamina, and tests her will at every turn. Along the way, Storm enlists the assistance of her best friend, Emma Webb, and the services of Harry Bennett, a self-proclaimed “treasure dog,” with world-wide contacts and a reckless disregard for his own safety. The greater the odds, the more desperate the circumstances, the more impossible the chances for success – the better! This was, in the words of Harry Bennet, “living large.”
As Storm’s relationship with her mysterious employer unfolds, and Emma begins to sort out her own feelings for Harry, the reason for the pilgrimage becomes clear. Poland’s only national treasure, The Black Madonna, has been stolen, and a forgery left in its place. The icon must be retrieved, both to avoid international scandal and to restore faith to a country that had already seen enough suffering.
If you are a fan of Limoges china, smoked salmon sandwiches, and chilled champagne at eight in the morning, this is the book for you. This is vicarious living at its best. You will experience sights, sounds and pleasures that make Donald Trump appear a panhandler. And you will begin to understand the importance – nay, the necessity – of faith, hope – and love. 313 pages. $14.99.
Author: Davis Bunn
Publisher: Howard Books
September 2010
ISBN 978-1-4165-5633-6
Genre: General Fiction/International
Prepare to be moved. Physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Your journey will begin once you open the pages of THE BLACK MADONNA. Author, lecturer and writer in residence (Regent’s Park College, Oxford University) Davis Bunn has once again demonstrated his mastery of the craft of writing as he literally propels his audience from the comfort of their reading rooms into a world of political intrigue, set against a backdrop of faith, hope and love.
Storm Syrrell is sole proprietor of an arts and antiquities establishment in West Palm Beach, Florida. Struggling to stay afloat amidst the aftermath of the Madoff scandal, Storm is miraculously snatched from a second bankruptcy by a mysterious deposit of a large sum of money into her business account. Minutes later, she receives equally mysterious instructions from an anonymous individual, who informs her what she is to do with the funds. Purchase one painting which is going on the auction block that very day. At any cost.
And so begins Storm’s modern-day odyssey, which transforms into a pilgrimage, as she is literally whisked around the world at break-neck speed, at the behest of the anonymous individual who increasingly pushes her boundaries, tasks her stamina, and tests her will at every turn. Along the way, Storm enlists the assistance of her best friend, Emma Webb, and the services of Harry Bennett, a self-proclaimed “treasure dog,” with world-wide contacts and a reckless disregard for his own safety. The greater the odds, the more desperate the circumstances, the more impossible the chances for success – the better! This was, in the words of Harry Bennet, “living large.”
As Storm’s relationship with her mysterious employer unfolds, and Emma begins to sort out her own feelings for Harry, the reason for the pilgrimage becomes clear. Poland’s only national treasure, The Black Madonna, has been stolen, and a forgery left in its place. The icon must be retrieved, both to avoid international scandal and to restore faith to a country that had already seen enough suffering.
If you are a fan of Limoges china, smoked salmon sandwiches, and chilled champagne at eight in the morning, this is the book for you. This is vicarious living at its best. You will experience sights, sounds and pleasures that make Donald Trump appear a panhandler. And you will begin to understand the importance – nay, the necessity – of faith, hope – and love. 313 pages. $14.99.
February 18, 2011
Stolen art and international intrigue in exotic places fill the pages of The Black Madonna, author Davis Bunn’s next spellbinding novel scheduled for release in September. Treasured art, steeped in historical significance, dramatically changes the lives of art historian Storm Syrrell, treasure hunter Harry Bennett, and U.S Treasury agent Emma Webb.
For those of you who’ve read Davis’ previous novel, Gold of Kings, these names—Storm, Harry and Emma—should sound familiar. They return in The Black Madonna to locate another historic art treasure that will have international repercussions. And their efforts shed more light on the killing of Storm’s grandfather, Sean Syrrell, an art broker found murdered in the first novel.
There is another aspect of The Black Madonna that I found fascinating. Davis conducted intriguing research for both these novels; rubbing shoulders with real-life treasure hunters, talking to intelligence sources, and visiting exotic locations. Readers will travel from an auction house in London, through hostile mid-eastern countries, to the Monastery of Jasna Gora, located near Czestochowa, Poland.
Do you have an urge to travel? Davis takes you on a journey that won’t gouge your wallet—places like the Herodian dig above the Judean Desert; whirling through European cities of intrigue; or traveling a bumpy Jordanian road from Madaba to Mt. Nebo, where God gave Moses one last look at the promised land. This author seems to have taken a modern-day Indiana Jones journey to be able to write this thriller.
Again, Davis demonstrates why he is a bestselling author. Needless to say—but I’ll say it anyway—he’s one of my favorite authors. I became hooked on his novels after reading The Great Divide several years ago. I’ve enjoyed reading a number of his novels ever since.
For those of you who’ve read Davis’ previous novel, Gold of Kings, these names—Storm, Harry and Emma—should sound familiar. They return in The Black Madonna to locate another historic art treasure that will have international repercussions. And their efforts shed more light on the killing of Storm’s grandfather, Sean Syrrell, an art broker found murdered in the first novel.
There is another aspect of The Black Madonna that I found fascinating. Davis conducted intriguing research for both these novels; rubbing shoulders with real-life treasure hunters, talking to intelligence sources, and visiting exotic locations. Readers will travel from an auction house in London, through hostile mid-eastern countries, to the Monastery of Jasna Gora, located near Czestochowa, Poland.
Do you have an urge to travel? Davis takes you on a journey that won’t gouge your wallet—places like the Herodian dig above the Judean Desert; whirling through European cities of intrigue; or traveling a bumpy Jordanian road from Madaba to Mt. Nebo, where God gave Moses one last look at the promised land. This author seems to have taken a modern-day Indiana Jones journey to be able to write this thriller.
Again, Davis demonstrates why he is a bestselling author. Needless to say—but I’ll say it anyway—he’s one of my favorite authors. I became hooked on his novels after reading The Great Divide several years ago. I’ve enjoyed reading a number of his novels ever since.
September 17, 2010
The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn is the second book in the Storm Syrrell series. Storm is still trying to rebuild her antique dealership after the death of her grandfather and imprisonment of her father for his embezzling when she gets a too-good-to-be-true job offer to buy a Russian painting at an art auction. When the buyer pays more than twice what the item is worth, Storm becomes suspicious, and her worries only grow when she is ordered to buy more items at a price a good deal more than their value and pitting her against another dealer who is intent to run her out of business. Raphael Danton, her buyer, is an agent for a mystery man, and has a tragic history that has made him angry at the world until Storm's fiery spirit cracks the shell around his heart. When Storm's life is threatened because of her buys, best friend Emma Webb, a agent for Homeland Security, steps in to help, but Emma's heart is torn by the news that her lover Harry Bennett has been killed by a bomb in the Middle East. Bunn brings back all of the interestinDesigng characters from the first book, Gold of Kings, and adds some more fascinating ones. The story is so filled with twists and turns, back-stabbing, assassination attempts, kidnapping, and political machinations that the pages just fly by. Bunn parcels out information to the reader carefully, building suspense and tension to an almost intolerable tautness. Emma is an outstanding character who often beats up the bad guy before the men around her even have time to react, definitely a rarity in adventure novels. The climax is almost anti-climactic after the rest of the thrilling novel, but there is obviously another sequel in the works because the reader is left hanging and worrying about what will happen next to heroine Storm.
September 18, 2010
Davis Bunn in his new book, “The Black Madonna” Book Two in the Storm Syrrell series published by Howard/Touchstone Books gives us an exciting thriller that takes place in the world of art objects and stolen artifacts.
Harry Bennett and Storm Syrrell are back after their adventure in “Gold of Kings” While this is a stand alone adventure I have not read “Gold” so I felt that Mr. Bunn didn’t spend a lot of time in describing his characters as he had already introduced them previously. However that is just me once you start this book it is very exciting and everyone is in great danger. Harry Bennett starts at a archeological dig at The West Bank and immediately gets himself into trouble. There really is a Black Madonna painting and it has been stolen and Storm Syrrell is right in the middle of it.
Mr. Bunn is an accomplished writer who knows how to deliver twists and turns that will leave you breathless. This is an excellent read, a page turner and a thought provoker. And it is only Book One in this new series. Book Two is due out in September so let us count down the days together. Until then we have this first book.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Glass Road PR and Howard/Touchstone Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Harry Bennett and Storm Syrrell are back after their adventure in “Gold of Kings” While this is a stand alone adventure I have not read “Gold” so I felt that Mr. Bunn didn’t spend a lot of time in describing his characters as he had already introduced them previously. However that is just me once you start this book it is very exciting and everyone is in great danger. Harry Bennett starts at a archeological dig at The West Bank and immediately gets himself into trouble. There really is a Black Madonna painting and it has been stolen and Storm Syrrell is right in the middle of it.
Mr. Bunn is an accomplished writer who knows how to deliver twists and turns that will leave you breathless. This is an excellent read, a page turner and a thought provoker. And it is only Book One in this new series. Book Two is due out in September so let us count down the days together. Until then we have this first book.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Glass Road PR and Howard/Touchstone Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 11, 2012
Antiques expert Storm Syrrell heads to Europe to investigate the clandestine trade in religious artifacts. She dismisses superstitious tales of miraculous healings and divine omens. Yet when an obsessive Russian oligarch calls - just as her friend Harry Bennett vanishes - all assumptions must be cast aside. Storm seeks answers in a medieval monastery. There, the scarred visage of an icon provokes even more startling questions. Is she prepared to confront both earthly and spiritual powers? Storm remains haunted by lessons in love and betrayal that lie just outside her grasp, but hesitation now holds mortal consequences.
In "The Black Madonna" Emma and Harry go all over the world in chase of various ancient religious icons. It is full of international intrigue, mystery and suspense - who are the good guys, who are the bad guys? Who is behind the sudden outrageously high priced items at auction? Will it tear Europe apart when it’s discovered that the Black Madonna in Poland has been replaced with a fake? Who bombed Harry? Who wants Storm dead? This book will keep you on your toes to the end!
This amazing new novel takes you all around the world, while Storm and her friend, Emma who works for Homeland Security begins to unlock the secrets in the antiquities that are being auctioned off and just what their true motives are in obtaining religious items especially one item that has claims to stop time.
The Black Madonna is just the book for you adventure fans. A great historical adventure with a little political intrigue. I recommend this book
July 17, 2015
It's always interesting to discover a new literary sub-genre. Previously I had thought that a Christian mystery was something that you read about in the New Testament, but apparently it's a type of adventure writing as well. Take for example Davis Bunn's 2010 novel
The Black Madonna
. On the dust jacket the novel is compared to the works of Dan Brown, David Baldacci and Steve Berry, and indeed it's a action-pack story that takes place in locales around the globe. The story involves glamorous charismatic characters who are comfortable in the company of the rich and famous as well as the hoi polloi. The story also tries to tie itself into current events including the Bernie Madoff scandal, the new Russian elites and the situation in the Middle East.
What makes it a Christian mystery appears to be the romantic relationships between the primary male and female characters. Compared to other writers, Bunn's characters seem more appropriate for a YA novel. The otherwise quite sophisticated characters seem rather emotionally childish.
Beyond that, some of the secondary characters seem stereotypical-especially their accents. The backstory of one of the characters bothered me. He had had a stint as a mercenary in Africa and had been wounded-by a spear. Really! A spear? How passé! In this day and age, AKs and machetes are the weapons of choice for African revolutionaries.
Beyond that, it was an okay read, but I don't know if I'll be picking up any more Christian mysteries any time soon.
What makes it a Christian mystery appears to be the romantic relationships between the primary male and female characters. Compared to other writers, Bunn's characters seem more appropriate for a YA novel. The otherwise quite sophisticated characters seem rather emotionally childish.
Beyond that, some of the secondary characters seem stereotypical-especially their accents. The backstory of one of the characters bothered me. He had had a stint as a mercenary in Africa and had been wounded-by a spear. Really! A spear? How passé! In this day and age, AKs and machetes are the weapons of choice for African revolutionaries.
Beyond that, it was an okay read, but I don't know if I'll be picking up any more Christian mysteries any time soon.
September 17, 2010
If you haven't read anything by Davis Bunn (aka T. Davis Bunn), now is the time to do so! Bunn has an amazing style that draws the reader in and keeps him/her in suspense until the very last page.
The Black Madonna starts in the Judean Desert and soon becomes international, centering around an antiques dealer, an archeologist, a businessman, and a Homeland Security agent. What do they all have in common? Byzantine artifacts.
This novel had me captivated and on the edge of my seat more times than I care to count. There were times I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. With all the twists and turns, I never figured out the ending. After reading the last page, I had to go back to re-read it to make sure I read it correctly.
The storyline was exciting and the characters, especially the main, all had their flaws, making them both realistic and interesting. My favorites were Storm who deals in antiques (the main character) and Raphael, her "boss". They both carry a past that leaves them guarded yet assertive. Both are very strong characters, and both know exactly what they are after. These two definitely made the storyline work!
I had no idea this was the second book in the series, as it read like a stand-alone. The first book, "Gold of Kings" has made my must read list. I am hoping there will be more to the series as I really want this book to continue!
The Black Madonna starts in the Judean Desert and soon becomes international, centering around an antiques dealer, an archeologist, a businessman, and a Homeland Security agent. What do they all have in common? Byzantine artifacts.
This novel had me captivated and on the edge of my seat more times than I care to count. There were times I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. With all the twists and turns, I never figured out the ending. After reading the last page, I had to go back to re-read it to make sure I read it correctly.
The storyline was exciting and the characters, especially the main, all had their flaws, making them both realistic and interesting. My favorites were Storm who deals in antiques (the main character) and Raphael, her "boss". They both carry a past that leaves them guarded yet assertive. Both are very strong characters, and both know exactly what they are after. These two definitely made the storyline work!
I had no idea this was the second book in the series, as it read like a stand-alone. The first book, "Gold of Kings" has made my must read list. I am hoping there will be more to the series as I really want this book to continue!
September 17, 2010
From my book review blog Rundpinne ...
"A masterful and brilliant thriller The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn will keep the reader intrigued and fully engaged throughout the book. Bunn whisks the reader half way around the word to auction houses as well as inside the legal and illegal antiquity trades. Paintings are being purchased for more than they are worth, Storm Syrrell has been hired to find the amethyst clock which in theory does not exist, an antiquities dealer is allegedly murdered in Hebron while the CIA and Homeland Security keep a watchful eye on Storm Syrrell and her mysterious client Raphael Danton. The Black Madonna is a fast paced thriller, which takes the reader into far reaches in a medieval monastery and the quest for answers as Poland’s national treasure is stolen. In a flurry of foreign countries and dealings with antiquities dealers from each country Bunn keeps the reader traveling the globe and wondering what is true, what is myth, and what is merely a forgery. Deeply descriptive with intriguing and beguiling characters and a plot, which twists and turns just the correct amount to tantalize the reader, The Black Madonna is the second in Davis Bunn’s Storm Syrrell Adventures, yet clearly stands on its own merits. I would recommend The Black Madonna to anyone looking for an intellectual, fast-paced thriller."
"A masterful and brilliant thriller The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn will keep the reader intrigued and fully engaged throughout the book. Bunn whisks the reader half way around the word to auction houses as well as inside the legal and illegal antiquity trades. Paintings are being purchased for more than they are worth, Storm Syrrell has been hired to find the amethyst clock which in theory does not exist, an antiquities dealer is allegedly murdered in Hebron while the CIA and Homeland Security keep a watchful eye on Storm Syrrell and her mysterious client Raphael Danton. The Black Madonna is a fast paced thriller, which takes the reader into far reaches in a medieval monastery and the quest for answers as Poland’s national treasure is stolen. In a flurry of foreign countries and dealings with antiquities dealers from each country Bunn keeps the reader traveling the globe and wondering what is true, what is myth, and what is merely a forgery. Deeply descriptive with intriguing and beguiling characters and a plot, which twists and turns just the correct amount to tantalize the reader, The Black Madonna is the second in Davis Bunn’s Storm Syrrell Adventures, yet clearly stands on its own merits. I would recommend The Black Madonna to anyone looking for an intellectual, fast-paced thriller."
June 13, 2012
The plan was to read Black Madonna on my lunch breaks which are usually spent at my desk and last about 15 minutes. I kept telling myself that I'd finish just one more line. . .just one more paragraph. . .just one more page. Instead, I extended my lunch time to 30 minutes. I'm my own boss so I can do that.
But, even that wasn't enough. I found myself taking two extra breaks a day. Instead of pouring myself a cup of coffee and returning to my computer screen to work, I picked up Black Madonna again. When I came home from work 30 minutes later than usual, Jon wondered why. I grinned and told him I was reading. I gave that 30 minutes back to my clients, but took mine with this book first.
It was that good.
I enjoyed the main character, Storm, in Gold of Kings, and liked her even more in Black Madonna.
Davis Bunn delivers high impact suspense, real characters, and an adventure readers can step right into from the comfort of their office chairs, or a more wherever they are.
But, even that wasn't enough. I found myself taking two extra breaks a day. Instead of pouring myself a cup of coffee and returning to my computer screen to work, I picked up Black Madonna again. When I came home from work 30 minutes later than usual, Jon wondered why. I grinned and told him I was reading. I gave that 30 minutes back to my clients, but took mine with this book first.
It was that good.
I enjoyed the main character, Storm, in Gold of Kings, and liked her even more in Black Madonna.
Davis Bunn delivers high impact suspense, real characters, and an adventure readers can step right into from the comfort of their office chairs, or a more wherever they are.
December 7, 2010
Note to book publishers, would it really be that hard on the inside of the book to state that it is in a series? And if so, what # it is in a series and how many are supposed to be in it?
I absolutely loved this book, minus the fact that I read it out of order. It gave the thrill factor of the DaVinci code but not vulgar or from a non-Christian. Fantastic suspense, always on the move. I would love to see what the items Storm was bidding on looked like or a map of all the places this book goes to. My only issue with this book at all is that Bunn HAS to be writing another one in this series as it left WAY too much up in the air. Please Mr Bunn, if you are not please do such! I am now reading book #1 to see what I missed.
I absolutely loved this book, minus the fact that I read it out of order. It gave the thrill factor of the DaVinci code but not vulgar or from a non-Christian. Fantastic suspense, always on the move. I would love to see what the items Storm was bidding on looked like or a map of all the places this book goes to. My only issue with this book at all is that Bunn HAS to be writing another one in this series as it left WAY too much up in the air. Please Mr Bunn, if you are not please do such! I am now reading book #1 to see what I missed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2010
Davis Bunn brings back the cast of Storm, Emma and Harry in "The Black Madonna" and sends them all over the world in chase of various ancient religious icons. It is full of international intrigue, mystery and suspense - who are the good guys, who are the bad guys? I was guessing through a lot of the book, Russia, Poland, England, America, who is behind the sudden outrageously high priced items at auction. Will it tear Europe apart when its discovered that the Black Madonna in Poland has been replaced with a fake? Who bombed Harry? Who wants Storm dead? This book will keep you on your toes to the end!
August 11, 2013
First sentence -
From the crest of the Herodium dig, Harry Bennett could look out and see three wars.
Links:
The Black Madonna of Czestochowa
A group of people travelling in private jets doing the bidding of billionaires. Weave in some mystery, a theft, two rather lame romances and you have this novel. I didn't mind the character of Storm but the very quickly developed romance with Raphael was unconvincing.
Links:
The Black Madonna of Czestochowa
A group of people travelling in private jets doing the bidding of billionaires. Weave in some mystery, a theft, two rather lame romances and you have this novel. I didn't mind the character of Storm but the very quickly developed romance with Raphael was unconvincing.
February 20, 2011
This was a fun and quick read, and the pacing moves like a television show. I had not read the first book before picking this up so was not aware of the characters' previous relationships. That being said, the romantic elements of the story were, I thought, the weakest, and I would much rather have focused on resolving the mystery behind the Black Madonna.
February 24, 2011
Bad DaVinci Code knock-off. The characters spent an inordinate amount of time traveling in various expensive and exotic conveyances while using cell phones. Huge yawn. How to be techno-rich was a fairly uninteresting theme. The relationships all seemed implausible. I wanted something mindless but engaging. Fail. Why did I bother to finish it?
August 20, 2019
book ends but story does not...sort of leaves a lot hanging to encourage me to read next in the series.
I found that I was unable to identify with either of the heroines..Storm.. too gorgeous in all circumstances and Emma...too great a kickboxer to be feminine, and yet she was the romance part of the book.
I found that I was unable to identify with either of the heroines..Storm.. too gorgeous in all circumstances and Emma...too great a kickboxer to be feminine, and yet she was the romance part of the book.
April 22, 2013
The book was fast-paced and an easy read. I found the story a little convoluted, and was surprised to first read that Raphael had blue eyes, then later read they were brown. The plot was a bit far-fetched, but was still enjoyable. I have not read the first book in the series, and have not decided if I will.
March 13, 2014
I'm not very far into this book yet (page 64 to be exact), and frankly may not finish it. It is a totally different kind of novel (thriller/mystery) than I'm used to reading, and I'm not sure I can make it all the way through. But after reading the glowing reviews of other readers, I might give it another 100 pages. I'll let you know...
February 7, 2017
This was a pretty good book, but confusing. People jumped from one place to the other at the drop of a hat, and one minute were in one country, then the next....another. It was sort of Indiana Jones meets James Bond or something like that, but with women, for the most part. I was ready for it to get over with.
July 6, 2016
Davis Bunn is such a good writer. I really liked how everything tied together in the end. It did get rather confusing near the climax when they were talking about many different people in different locations, but otherwise, this was a great book.
February 2, 2013
Good book. I liked it a lot.
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